Maiden GP Gold title for Sindhu

It took her a while to register that she had in fact won her first Grand Prix Gold title. Seeded No. 1 in Malaysia, everyone expected PV Sindhu to emerge victorious but it took the 17-year-old some time to actually believe that she had accomplished what she had come to Kuala Lumpur for.

After a tight 71-minute battle, Sindhu defeated Juan Gu of Singapore 21-17, 17-21, 21-19. After winning the final point, the world No 13 stood on the court stumped before collecting herself to shake hands with the umpires. "She was so happy that she couldn't believe she had done it," said proud father, PV Ramana, a former volleyball international.

UndeterredAfter a loss in the semifinals of the India Open Super Series last week, Sindhu didn't waste time dwelling on the past. She had tough opponents to battle past this week and on Saturday she went one up on Gu, with whom her past head-to-head record stood at 1-1. "I can't describe what I feel," a jubilant Sindhu exclaimed after the win.

It was a tough battle by any standards. The fifth-seeded Singaporean didn't waste time and took the lead in the first game. But Sindhu fought back to pocket it. The second game was neck and neck till the world No 27 upped her game to level scores.

Down 10-15 in the decider, Sindhu fought back like never before, smashing winners all the way. "We saw her celebrating with cake after the match on Skype," said Ramana, who visited the temple with his wife after the daughter's maiden GP win. "We couldn't be more proud for what she's accomplished.”